Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam : Best Points to clear AAPC test

Every year, you will get number of chance to appear for CPC Certification exam. Having a CPC certificate from AAPC helps a lot in professional growth in future for coders. I have been a CPC certified medical coder from AAPC from last 7 years. I have got lot of job opportunities after clearing CPC exam, which really helps for my career growth.

Most of the medical coders always target Certified Professional Coder (CPC) test. This exam is given by 9 out of 10 medical coders. Since, it is completely objective exam without any negative marks, it is considered as easiest AAPC exam to clear. Also, it has a free second attempt, so even if you fail in first attempt you have an option to clear CPC test in second attempt.

Today, I will share few key points for clearing CPC exam . If you remember these minor things while preparing for CPC test, you will surely clear this exam and have a successful career in medical coding.

Be perfect with Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam Coding guidelines

Each and every chapter is ICD and CPT codebook has a specific coding guideline. This is the actual treasure for medical coders. If you are 100% perfect with coding guidelines, then the probability of clearing CPC exam will be very high. Most of the questions are related to coding guidelines.

ICD coding guidelines needs a special attention. Recently there have been few updates in diagnosis coding, for example New ICD 10 codes for COVID-19 , specific ICD 10 codes for Lumbar pain etc.

In CPT section, medical coders should remain update with new CPT codes for 2022 and the diagnosis codes. 

CPT coding guidelines should also be followed carefully. The notes below CPT codes should not be missed, most of the times coders forget to read these notes and choose wrong answers.

Plan your Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam time

CPC test has 100 questions and should be answered within 4 hours as per the new update in 2022 from AAPC. If you calculate then on an average of 2 minute should be given to every question. Hence, when you are appearing for CPC exam, do plan your exam time.

I would just suggest coders to finish the CPC exam before 30 minutes. If you finish exam before time, you get time to recheck your answers and will help in removing silly errors.

Since the question paper has a mixture of easy and difficult questions, one can attempt all the easy questions first and then go for the difficult ones. This way coders can attempt the whole question paper in 4 hours . 

More than 70% is required to pass CPC exam, hence if you attempt all questions you just need to reach the 70% passing mark to clear CPC exam.

Read also:  How to clear CPC exam in First attempt

Solve Model Certified Professional Coder (CPC) test Questions to gain confidence

If you want to get perfect, you will need to practice more. Yes, to gain confidence for clearing CPC test /exam medical coders need to solve as many questions as much they can. This kind of preparation helps a lot in managing time and knowing about the question paper pattern.

There are two attempts to clear CPC test, but I would suggest all coders to clear the exam in first attempt. If you are really serious with your coding career, then this is the best exam to give a good growth for your future.

Read also: How to become a Professional Certified Medical coder

Be yourself and do not compare

While preparing for CPC test, do not go into comparison mode. Everyone is different and hence believe in yourself. Sometimes our senior or friends might spread negative thoughts to disturb your focus from exam. This is very common when someone is trying hard to achieve something.

If you have really prepared hard for CPC test, then do not worry and give your best, you will really achieve good results in future.

Keep yourself Calf and Focused

For any any exam like CPC certification exam, the student should be more focused and calm. As lot of people have exam fear, which can create lot of difficulty for solving the question, hence having a cool mind, will surely help you to find correct answers and solve the CPC test exam paper.

All the best.